DETROIT — The Buick Riviera concept wowed Chinese visitors at last year's 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. But what most impressed Western observers was the fact that the car was designed in China, at the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, which is jointly operated by General Motors and its local partner Shanghai Auto.
The Riviera concept is making its North American debut at the Detroit show. Why did it appear first in China? That's now Buick's largest market — larger even than the U.S.
Aside from the gullwing doors, the overall design theme provides some strong cues as to the future direction of Buick design globally, not just in China. The concept also has provisions to accommodate future powertrain technology, including a new hybrid driveline that goes into production later this year at Shanghai GM.
The concept features carbon-fiber body panels and a 2+2 seating configuration.
The Riviera concept isn't intended for production, although Buick could revive the nameplate on a future luxury model in several markets. It was last used in the U.S. in the 1999 model year.
What this means to you: Buick's still-evolving design language reflects the growing influence of China. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
The Riviera concept is making its North American debut at the Detroit show. Why did it appear first in China? That's now Buick's largest market — larger even than the U.S.
Aside from the gullwing doors, the overall design theme provides some strong cues as to the future direction of Buick design globally, not just in China. The concept also has provisions to accommodate future powertrain technology, including a new hybrid driveline that goes into production later this year at Shanghai GM.
The concept features carbon-fiber body panels and a 2+2 seating configuration.
The Riviera concept isn't intended for production, although Buick could revive the nameplate on a future luxury model in several markets. It was last used in the U.S. in the 1999 model year.
What this means to you: Buick's still-evolving design language reflects the growing influence of China. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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